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Fever-related seizure
A high temperature can cause febrile seizure in children, which is why it’s safest to give children Calpol or ibuprofen at the first sign of a fever.
During a seizure, a child may arch their back, stiffen their body, their eyes may roll upwards and they may hold their breath.
First, protect the baby or child from injury. Don’t restrain them. Remove objects that may injure the baby or child while they are having the seizure. Use a blanket or clothing to protect their head from injury.
Remove outer clothing to help cool them. If the room they are in is hot, ensure there is a flow of fresh air.
When the seizure is over, help them to rest on their side with their head tilted back to aid breathing.
If the symptoms continue or it is their first seizure, seek medical advice.
Suffers a burn
Cool the burn under cold running water for at least 10 minutes, despite protests. Every second counts with a burn and the faster the skin is cooled, the lower the pain, nerve damage and risk of scarring is.
After the burn has been cooled, cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
This provides an ideal covering because plastic doesn’t stick to the burn, keeps it clean and moist and reduces pain by keeping air from the skin’s surface. Call 999 if necessary.
Always seek medical advice for a baby or child that has been burned.
Hits their head
A blow to the head may result in the baby or child having pain or a ¬headache. There may be a bump and they may look pale.
Get the baby or child to rest and apply something cold, such as frozen peas in a tea towel. This reduces external swelling and pain.
If there is any loss of consciousness or they become drowsy or vomit, call 999 or take them to the hospital immediately, as this can be a sign of concussion and a more serious head injury.
Has a broken bone
A child may have a broken bone if they are in a lot of pain or lying in an unnatural position following a fall or a blow from an object.
Don’t move them – just support the injury with cushions or items of clothing to prevent unnecessary movement.
This can relieve pain and prevent loss of future movement.
If possible, support the limb above and below the injury. Call 999 and continue supporting the limb until help arrives
Has a severe allergic reaction
Common causes of a severe allergic reaction, or “anaphylaxis”, are drug injections, nuts, shellfish or eggs or stings and bites.
Your child may develop a red, blotchy rash, itchiness or swelling on their hands, feet or face. Their breathing may slow down and vomiting and diarrhoea occur.
If you observe any of the above symptoms, call 999 immediately. An allergic reaction can occur very quickly and is potentially fatal because it may result in swelling of the airway.
When there is a known allergy, use their auto-injector or EpiPen. If an auto-injector is used, make sure to tell the ambulance personnel.
Reassure the child and make them as comfortable as possible while you wait for the ambulance.
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